You have job interviews in English and you are nervous. That is perfectly normal. If you want to put an end to that uneasy feeling, the solution is very simple: prepare. Yes, it sounds obvious, but going into a job interview properly informed and prepared will bring down the stress levels that are currently through the roof.
Lack of preparation is one of the most common mistakes that can lead to failure in job interviews. According to Randstad, failing to research the company or the role properly can show a lack of interest and commitment from the outset. What is more, BBVA points out that the main mistakes candidates make at job interviews are poor preparation and lateness.
These findings underline how important proper preparation is before an interview, especially when you have to demonstrate skills in a second language such as English. Practising common answers, researching the company and the interviewer, and getting to grips with sector-specific vocabulary can make the difference between success and failure in a recruitment process.
Remember that solid preparation not only improves your language skills, it also boosts your confidence and helps you stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.
And if the role you are applying for requires a certain level of English, your recruiter will very probably want to check your command of the language by having a short conversation in English. There is genuinely nothing to worry about. We have the solution: the English for specific purposes classes from Alos Soluciones Lingüísticas, designed precisely to help you handle real professional settings with ease.
In this article we not only explain how to face an interview in English with confidence, we also give you the keys to answering the most common questions assuredly, avoiding the typical mistakes Spanish speakers make and showing that you are more than ready for the role.
Why does English matter in job interviews in Spain? (Key figures)
A good command of English remains one of the skills companies in Spain value most. Although only 20.5% of job adverts in the country require knowledge of English, that figure is significant when it comes to roles with an international dimension or to sectors such as technology, tourism, foreign trade or global services.
Some key figures:
- English is the most sought-after language on portals such as InfoJobs and LinkedIn.
- Speaking languages can increase your chances of being hired by up to 37%.
- Large exporters and multinationals include language tests in their recruitment processes.
That means that if you aspire to work at a company with an international presence, a good command of English is not a bonus: it is an essential requirement.
Confidence, preparation and research: the three keys to success
Showing confidence during an interview (particularly in a language that is not your own) can make the difference between moving forward in the process and being ruled out. And how do you achieve that confidence? The answer is simple: preparation.
Tips for building confidence:
- Research the company. Get to know its history, mission, values and products or services. If you can, look into its international presence and organisational culture too.
- Find out about the interviewer. You can often find their name in the invitation email or on LinkedIn. That will give you clues about their background.
- Prepare your answers in English. Some questions come up almost every time. Practising them out loud or with someone you trust can help you sound natural.
- Do mock interviews. With a teacher, a friend or in front of the mirror. The more you practise, the more confident you will feel.
And remember: making a mistake is not the end of the world. The key is to communicate your ideas clearly and with a positive attitude.
In many interviews in English, especially online ones, it is not only what you say that matters but how people hear and see you. A Full HD webcam helps you come across as clear, professional and confident from the very first minute, avoiding technical distractions that work against you.
The 10 most common questions in job interviews in English (and how to answer them)
Below we run through the most frequent questions in job interviews in English. We include the most common mistakes among Spanish speakers and how you can put them right.
1. Tell me about yourself
Typical mistake: talking about personal matters with no connection to the job.
Do this instead: focus on your professional experience and relevant achievements.
Example: “I have over five years of experience in marketing, specializing in digital strategy. I recently led a project that increased traffic by 40%.”
2. What are your strengths?
Typical mistake: using empty adjectives such as “hard-working” or “friendly”.
Do this instead: give concrete examples.
Example: “I’m a very organized person. In my last role, I implemented a new filing system that reduced search time by 25%.”
3. What are your weaknesses?
Typical mistake: answering “I’m a perfectionist” and leaving it there.
Do this instead: mention a genuine weakness and how you are working on it.
Example: “I used to struggle with public speaking, but I joined a Toastmasters club and now feel much more confident.”
4. Why do you want to work here?
Typical mistake: generic answers.
Do this instead: connect your interests with the company.
Example: “I’m very interested in sustainability, and I admire your company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.”
5. Tell me about a challenge you’ve faced
Typical mistake: telling stories with no structure.
Do this instead: use the STAR method. For a detailed guide on applying the STAR method in interviews, take a look at this article on our blog, where we set out everything you need to put it into practice.
Example: “In my last job, we were behind on a project deadline. I reorganized the team’s schedule and we finished two days early.”
6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Typical mistake: saying “I don’t know”.
Do this instead: show ambition that is aligned with the company.
Example: “I see myself managing international projects and leading a team of professionals.”
7. Why did you leave your last job?
Typical mistake: criticising your previous employer.
Do this instead: frame the change as a step forward.
Example: “I’m looking for a position where I can grow professionally and take on more responsibility.”
8. What do you know about our company?
Typical mistake: not doing your research beforehand.
Do this instead: show that you have prepared.
Example: “I know you recently expanded into Latin America and launched a new cloud-based service.”
9. Do you have any questions for us?
Typical mistake: not asking any questions.
Do this instead: prepare 2-3 questions about the role or the company.
Example: “What would a typical day look like in this role?”
10. What are your salary expectations?
Typical mistake: answering without any basis.
Do this instead: research salary ranges in the sector.
Example: “Based on my experience and the market range, I would expect between €35,000 and €40,000.”
English as a key to new opportunities
Mastering professional English opens doors not only in the national job market but in the international one too. Understanding the language allows you to adapt to new cultures, fit into multicultural teams and build your career at multinational companies or in another country.
If you are thinking of working abroad, you may need to have your academic or tax documents translated. In that case, we recommend reading our articles:
- Guide to which documents need a sworn translator
- How to have your Spanish university degree recognised abroad
Has it been a while since you spoke English and you feel a bit rusty? Take our free level test! It will only take a few minutes and there is no obligation.
(FAQ) Frequently asked questions about job interviews in English
The best way to prepare is by practising the most common questions, researching the company and the role, and doing mock interviews. Professional English classes for interviews are also useful.
It depends on the role, but for a fluent conversation at least a B2 level is recommended. International or senior positions may require C1.
The most frequent are: translating literally from Spanish, using overly generic phrases, and failing to structure answers properly. It is also common not to ask for clarification when they have not understood the question.
You can answer: “I’m sorry, could you please repeat that?” or “I didn’t quite catch that, could you rephrase it?” It is better to ask for clarification than to risk a poor answer.
The most common include: Tell me about yourself, Why do you want to work here?, What are your strengths and weaknesses?, Where do you see yourself in five years? and What are your salary expectations?
Focus on your professional experience, your achievements and how your profile fits the role. Avoid talking about your personal life.
It is a technique for answering behavioural questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Find out more here.
You can say: “I’m looking for a role where I can grow professionally and contribute to a dynamic team.”
Even if it is virtual, dress as if it were in person. Go for formal or business casual clothing, in neutral colours and with a tidy background.
You can take our free, no-obligation test in a matter of minutes here. Ideal for finding out your starting point and preparing for your interview with confidence.